Overview

In-home telecare equipment will generate an alarm call to an Alarm Receiving Centre when activated. Traditionally, these calls made over the analogue network, in the same way a typical landline phone call is made. The UK is moving to a digital telephone network by the end of 2025 and so telecommunications providers are switching to digital voice set-up.

The majority of in-home telecare alarms in Wales use the analogue network, there is an immediate need to support Welsh telecare services in planning and executing the digital migration. The switch over has already begun, with some Welsh citizens migrated to digital voice services already. Already the digital migration is affecting connectivity, and in some cases the functionality of in-home telecare alarms. 

How TEC Cymru can help

TEC Cymru will support all Welsh telecare service providers in managing the risks of digital migration, while embracing the benefits and actively seeking out opportunities to improve service delivery. We will concentrate on the safe migration of Welsh telecare Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs), to ensure digital infrastructure is embedded across the nation by the end of 2023. By having sound infrastructure and foundations, the digital in-home and mobile telecare equipment being procured will be reliable, robust, and multi-purpose as we support the telecare industry to move forward with interoperable products and solutions.

TEC Cymru will support Welsh telecare service providers on their digital journey by:

  • Providing relevant, specific documentation for all aspects of the migration: pre-migration, migration and post-migration identifying the ongoing impact on services
  • Providing advice and support on the relevant frameworks in use, and the appropriate compliant routes of procurement
  • Providing the latest sector/industry updates through stakeholder engagement
  • Providing dedicated subject matter expertise via TEC Cymru, consultancy support and other national industry bodies via scheduled meetings available on request
  • Share technical expertise from our dedicated partner organisations (Local Government Digital Office Scotland, TEC Scotland and the Telecare Services Association (TSA), ensuring a consistency in the messaging across all 4 UK home nations
  • Providing impartial advice on the ‘best of breed’ digital telecare products and solutions on the market
  • Providing access to documentation to help service providers maximise their service delivery offering through our Resource Centre (some useful documents are included below)